If you are reading this article, it is most likely because you are aware of the dangers and risks associated with the use of chemical pesticides on our beloved family pets. When the weather warms up, we find ourselves enjoying the great outdoors with our family - and that includes our dogs! Unfortunately, we are not the only species enjoying the warm weather.

Fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and other potentially dangerous pests are also out in the warm weather, looking for a host. Our dogs are the ideal target for these pests, so it is important that we do whatever we can to keep our dogs safe. Fleas are an annoying nuisance, ticks can carry potentially deadly diseases, and mosquitoes may pass along heart worm.

However, there are safe and effective alternatives to the potentially deadly chemicals (both oral and topical prevention) that can be purchased at your local Animal Hospital.

Why use Natural Prevention?

I am extremely passionate about my dog's health and nutrition, so when I looked into chemical pesticides sold by Veterinarians I could not bring myself to use them. After further research into the use of chemical pesticides on pets, while also exploring natural prevention, I made the decision to only use safer alternatives.

I was shocked to learn that at least 783 animal deaths occurred as a result of using chemical topical and oral pesticides - as were reported by the FDA. Beyond those numbers, thousands of owners are complaining about terrible side effects like seizures and lethargy. It is simply NOT worth the risk! I encourage you to investigate this yourself, so you can form your own educated opinion.

A Safe and Effective Alternative.

There are two products I am using successfully this year. I have been using both products to prevent fleas and ticks, and help deter mosquitoes! We are avid hikers, and this year we have hiked in some highly tick infested areas. I am happy to report that I have not had a SINGLE tick or flea on my dog! You can follow our adventures over on Instagram!

I am very confident in the effectiveness of these two all natural, chemical-free products. I firmly believe that combining both of them helps increase their effectiveness, so I do recommend pairing the two together.

Included with each product, I have provided some supportive biomedical studies and peer-reviewed research on the active ingredients.

kin+kind: FLEA|TICK SprayThis is a great smelling topical spray made with all organic, natural ingredients. It is made with a base of organically grown coconut and olive oils, which are great for the skin and coat. This spray contains neem oil, cedarwood essential oil, peppermint essential oil, and lavender oil. I have had tremendous success with this product, and absolutely no bad side effects!

kin+kind has graciously given me a 10% off discount code "CANINE10" for you to use at check out if you'd like to try this amazing pest deterrent spray for your dog!

Earth MD Flea & Tick PreventionEarth MD's Flea & Tick product is a powder you can add to your dog's food once a day for a week every 2 months. It contains quassia bark, neem leaf, spirulina and garlic. It is an all natural and safe food additive!

This product came highly recommended to me by several friends who go hiking often, and they too have found a lot of success with it! Quassia bark and Neem leaf have been shown in studies todeter pests!

For more amazing information on natural dog health care (supported by scientific research), feel free to come join my exclusive closed Facebook group: K9 Instinct: Holistic Dog Health Care. In that group I share all of my new articles and any new research or news in the pet world.

Dental care is more important for your dogs than you may realize. Periodontal disease has become the most common disease in our furry family members, which is a hard fact to digest since dental disease is extremely easy to prevent.

As dogs enter their golden years, poor dental health is the ticket to a shorter life riddled with illness and potential disease. Bad dental health can cause liver, heart and kidney disease; Infection from ill-kept teeth can travel through the blood stream and infiltrate the body's organs, which inevitably causes disease or failure. Since dental disease in dogs can be easily prevented, it is important to find a cleaning routine that works best for you and your dog.

You can use safe, natural and effective methods to keep your dog's teeth white and clean without having to spend a lot of money or jeopardize your dog's health.

A RAW FOOD DIET: NATURE'S TOOTHBRUSHThe incredible raw food diet is nature's toothbrush, having been the ancestral diet of all carnivorous and predatory animals for millions of years. A raw food diet does not leave residue or food particles on the teeth, which turn into tartar and plaque, and the natural crushing and chewing of raw bone scrapes the teeth and keeps them clean.

BRUSHING TEETH WITH COCONUT OIL The amazing benefits of coconut oil for dogs are no longer a secret! Coconut oil is antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and is a very effective deodorizer! If your dog has bad breath, give brushing with virgin, unrefined coconut oil a try. You will be impressed with the results!

AN ALL NATURAL GEL FOR DOGS WITH DENTAL DISEASEIf your dog has already developed dental disease, a great option along side a good brushing routine is adding an all natural but effective dental gel. PetzLife Oral Gel works by softening the build up on teeth and beginning to break it down so that you can brush or scrape it away. This is a natural, effective product I often recommend and have used myself on my cats!

CHEWING SCRAPES THE TEETHBy offering your dog a raw bone, an elk antler chew or a toy designed to help clean teeth via chewing can help reduce build up on the teeth, and is also an excellent preventive. Chewing is a natural, instinctual thing for a dog to do and can benefit them in terms of mental stimulation and enjoyment as well! Get a raw beef hock from your local butcher and monitor your dog as they enjoy this healthy, natural "toothbrush"!

Implementing a brushing routine with good recreational chewing is a great way to prevent dental disease in your canine companions, but there are safe and natural options for fighting dental disease too! If you have more questions about keeping your dog's mouth healthy, do not hesitate to contact me!

Nutrition plays a very important role in your dog's health and well-being during their life, and adding supplements and nutrient dense "extras" to their food bowl can have a big impact on their overall health. There are many different supplements pet owners can add to their dog's diet, but there are five specific supplements that I strongly believe every dog should enjoy the benefits of. Supplements provide a nutritional boost when fed along with a balanced and complete diet, and can ensure that your dogs dietary needs are being met and potentially exceeded. By adding certain supplements to your dog's diet you can help prevent disease and fight illness. The reason why I recommend giving your dogs supplements is because I strongly believe in using nutrition as a preventive. When the body is strong and the body's systems are functioning properly (be it digestive, immune, cardiovascular, etc) the dog is better able to recover quickly from illness, avoid disease and handle physical and emotional stress.

OMEGA FATTY ACIDSOmega fatty acids such as salmon oil, fish oil, flax seed oil, and borage seed oil provide many different nutritional benefits. Omega fatty acids are ideal for dogs with allergies, skin disorders or plain dry skin since these nutritious oils help add moisture, fullness and shine to any coat. These oils also promote healthy cognitive function as well as growth and development in puppies and young dogs. Omega fatty acids have also been proven to aid in promoting heart health and relief from arthritis and inflammation. Read more about omega fatty acid oils with my article: The Benefits of Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids For Dogs

PROBIOTICS / ACIDOPHILUSProbiotics are an excellent way to significantly boost the digestive system and the immune system. Adding probiotics to your dog's diet will help them properly digest their food while improving nutrient absorption. Probiotics also help build immune system health by creating a proper balance of healthy bacteria in the body, making it easier for the body to fend off harmful bacteria and disease. Probiotics have also proven to be beneficial to dogs with allergies, digestive disorders and susceptibility to bacterial infections. Read more about the benefits of probiotics with my article: The Benefits of Probiotics for Dogs

COCONUT OIL Coconut oil is a healthy,very easily digested fat that is quickly converted to energy in the body. Coconut oil is my third recommendation because of it's antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. Coconut oil also helps condition the dog's fur to make it thick, glossy and healthy. Coconut oil can also be applied topically to hot spots, cuts and abrasions and can also be used as an all natural toothpaste! Learn more about this powerful natural remedy with my article: The Benefits of Coconut Oil for Dogs

Acidophilus (Lactobacillus acidophilus) is a common, well known form of healthy bacteria (intestinal flora) that belongs in the digestive tract of every mammal, working with the body to protect it and aid in the digestion of food. These safe, necessary organisms are an important piece of the "total health" puzzle and can even help prevent disease and alleviate illness. There are a lot of phenomenal benefits that come with supplementing our dogs with probiotics, but the exceptional boost to their immune system alone is worth making probiotics an addition to your dog's nutrition program! Supplementing your dogs diet with probiotics can act as a form of therapeutic treatment for a variety of health problems. It can also be a preventive measure against the bad bacteria overwhelming your dog's digestive tract which ultimately makes them sick. Many holistic veterinarians, nutritionists and traditional veterinarians will recommend probiotics to help combat and prevent bacterial infections and digestive disorders. By reinforcing the beneficial bacteria in your dog's gut, probiotics act as a safe way to keep harmful bacteria under control by allowing the strong beneficial bacteria to compete with the bad bacteria and ultimately prevent the wrong bacteria from flourishing. Scientific research has been done repeatedly on the benefits of probiotics for dogs and the findings were great, showing that dogs did in fact receive significant benefits from the supplementation of probiotics both short term and long term. Veterinarians once believed that acidophilus could not survive passage from the dog's acidic stomach to the intestinal tract, but this was proven false. The healthy bacteria are strong and resilient, making it easy for dogs to nourish their intestinal tract with the bacteria designed to help them stay strong and healthy.

So how can probiotics benefit your dog? You'll be surprised by the many ways a strong and healthy digestive system can combat disease and prevent illness in our furry family members. Supplementing puppies and young dogs with probiotics has shown to decrease the frequency and severity of allergies, increase healthy weight gain and growth, and decrease the frequency of illness and disease by providing a good foundation towards exceptional immune system health. Probiotics are also ideal for dogs with digestive issues such as inflammatory bowel disease since this supplement promotes a healthy digestive tract. Ultimately probiotics assist in the breakdown of nutrients while aiding in proper digestion by encouraging the production of digestive enzymes. Probiotics help maintain a healthy, well functioning digestive system which is of vital importance in dogs with digestive disorders.Probiotics can also help alleviate symptoms of allergies by strengthening the digestive system and the immune system to prevent allergic symptoms from arising when the dog is exposed to allergens. A stronger immune system means the body is able to better handle the allergens the dog has been exposed to, ultimately soothing symptoms or even potentially eliminating allergies all together. When you remind yourself how allergic reactions work, it will make more sense to you. Allergic reactions occur when the weakened immune system detects something and labels it as foreign or a threat, which in turn creates a variety of symptoms as the body fights to get rid of it. A stronger immune system means better overall immune system function. A strong immune system is not prone to allergies.

Probiotics can be very beneficial in helping to treat bacterial infections by safely supporting a distressed intestinal tract. Providing the body with beneficial bacteria will help the good organisms overrun the bad ones and can help your dog recover faster. Paired with a 24 hour fast and a few homemade bland meals that are easy on the body, you may be able to let nature run its course safely and quickly. If your dog is suffering from a potential bacterial infection and shows no improvement or worsens after 48 hours, please go see your veterinarian immediately for a diagnosis and treatment. Our dogs may need help getting healthy again! Once your dog is healthy again, starting them on regular probiotic supplementation can help prevent more infections of the intestinal tract.

Probiotics can help alleviate bad gas, prevent bad breath and will help make your dog's body function better. This occurs as a direct result of proper balance in the digestive system, which is where the very important absorption of nutrients occurs. Any dog of any age can enjoy the benefits of probiotics, so consider adding them to your dog's diet for a stronger, healthier body!SOURCES OF PROBIOTICS

There are far too many sick dogs in this world and it is time we start questioning how they got this way. Whether they are plagued with allergies, prone to illness or afflicted with various medical conditions our best friends are suffering more and more these days. Most dog owners are simply unaware of the fact that they can take control of their pets' fate and help guide them into an existence of health and well being.

There are several things we need to focus on in order to bring our dogs to optimum health. While we cannot cure all disease and prevent any sickness or injury, we can absolutely strengthen our dogs' bodies and give them everything they need to fight off illness, ward off disease and prolong their precious lives as a beloved member of our family.

There are several things we must focus on in order to create balance in health and wellness. By addressing all of these things, we provide our dogs with the opportunity to thrive.

NUTRITION Diet and nutrition is the key to nourishing the body, providing the utmost bio-availability of nutrients on which our dogs can thrive. When we feed our dogs every day, we put food into their bodies meant to nourish and fuel them. Food helps living things grow and survive and a high quality species-appropriate diet can mean the difference between sickness and health. If we feed our dogs a poor quality diet that their bodies are not designed to thrive on, they will become weak and susceptible to sickness and disease.

A raw food diet for dogs is the most nourishing, species appropriate diet we can offer to our dogs. If you are unable to feed raw, the second best option is a homemade diet for dogs. Next in line is grain-free, high protein, whole food kibble. The following links will provide you with the in-depth knowledge I have to share on the topics of raw feeding, homemade diets and high quality commercial kibble diets:

Provide only wholesome treats and snacks for your dog. Read the ingredient list on the back of treat packaging and be aware of where the ingredients are sourced from and where the treats are made. Read this article to learn more about selecting the right dog treats for your dog: How to choose healthy treats for your dog! Also consider making your own homemade treat recipes! I provide many healthy, easy and inexpensive treat recipes here on my blog under the "homemade treat" category!

Supplements are another excellent way to provide extra nutrition. While they are not necessary, they can provide a fantastic nutritional boost and target key problems that could occur in your dog. For example, supplementing your large breed dog with a joint supplement such as glucosamine can help prevent or alleviate joint issues at any point in the dogs' life. A multivitamin such as Nupro Gold, Solid Gold Seameal or Carmspack's Feed-sentials can promote overall general health.

PREVENTION There are several things you can do to help prevent disease and illness in your pet, all of which are simple concepts to implement into your dogs' healthcare.

The first thing is to attend your dogs' annual veterinarian check-ups, allowing a general examination to be done yearly to be vigilant over your dogs' health. When you allow a veterinarian to examine your dog yearly, your veterinarian can establish what is normal for your dog so that if problems arise they have a foundation to work with!

A minimal vaccine schedule is an excellent way to prevent bombarding your dogs with toxic substances, harsh chemicals and potentially useless anti-bodies that will overstimulate and greatly stress your dogs' immune system. Studies show that immunity from vaccines can last anywhere from 3-7 years for pets, sometimes longer, and giving your dog vaccine boosters annually is both unnecessary and potentially dangerous. The minimal vaccine protocol established by the highly reputable Dr. Jane Dodd includes vaccinating ONLY for parvovirus, distemper and rabies. After the initial set of puppy vaccinations for only those three diseases, dogs should be titered every three years to check levels of immunity in the body before making the decision to re-vaccinate.

Heartworm treatment and flea and parasite preventive/removers are harsh pesticides that veterinarians recommend be administered every month. There are two important things to understand about those monthly pills or topical treatments: The first thing is that these are pesticides your dog is ingesting monthly, while they can prevent parasites they work by effectively killing parasites, whether or not it is or isn't present in the animal's body, at every dose. This is very, very hard on the dogs' body and the chemicals present in the treatment are not exactly supportive of health in our dogs. The second thing to remember is that the heartworm/flea industry is a multi-billion dollar industry - reality is that they may not have your pet's true well-being at heart. It is important to do your own research, determine if your area has a high incident of heartworm, and use these treatments at your discretion. Many treatments don't need to be used every month, but can be extended to every other month. Use all-natural treatments where you can and just be aware of what is going into your pets' body. Voice your concerns with your veterinarian and bring research and an informed opinion to the table when it is time to discuss it.

When it comes to vaccines, heartworm treatment, and parasite prevention you should do your research, decide what will work for your lifestyle, your dog and your budget - then make informed decisions on whether or not to use any of the methods of prevention. The important thing is to be informed about what is done to your pet.

EXERCISEExercise will help keep your pet in good physical condition, while promoting mental stimulation and happiness. There are many different activities you can enjoy with your pet to keep them fit, help energize the body, drain energy and promote emotional wellness.

Consider long walks, running or jogging, bicycling, trail hiking, or off leash hiking (only in appropriate areas, and only if your dog has good obedience and will come when called!).

Dog sports and training such as obedience, agility, flyball, dock diving, herding, Schutzhund/IPO, tracking and rally-o are fantastic ways to stimulate your dog's body and mind, while creating a strong bond between dog and handler. Giving your dog a "job" or "sport" to do will be very fulfilling you both you and your best furry friend!

Simply including your dogs in your everyday activities, especially with the family, can provide your dog with the love and enjoyment that will nourish their spirit. You can influence your dogs' health substantially by providing proper nutrition, being an active and informed advocate in their health care and by providing healthy exercise and mental stimulation. Let's not forget love and companionship... the greatest gift we can give the dogs who give us all of their unconditional love is to welcome them into our homes to enjoy the warmth, comfort and happiness of our family.

Please do your research and never stop learning. Cross reference information and ask questions!

Natural remedies have been used for hundreds of years and are quickly becoming a well known method of treatment in people and animals alike. The best part about using natural remedies is that you're avoiding the use of harsh chemicals and drugs to treat various ailments and conditions, which ultimately helps your pet achieve optimum health while helping keep harmful toxins and substances out of their bodies. While some people claim that natural remedies do not work, my extensive research and experience tells me otherwise. While not every dog responds the same way to any form of treatment, whether that be traditional or alternative, I have found that many dogs can enjoy the full, safe benefits of natural remedies and be successful in treating various conditions. At K9 Instinct, my goal is to provide the world with safe alternative methods of caring for their furry best friends. I strongly believe proper nutrition can help heal the body and that natural remedies have a place in our world alongside traditional medicine. The natural remedies I support are safe to use, and I encourage everyone to at least TRY them and give nature a chance to help create health and balance in your canine companions.

Skin and Coat Conditions

Coconut Oil has proven itself time and time again to aid in the treatment of various skin and coat conditions. Dry skin, hot spots, allergies, hair loss and wounds can all be treated with this highly nutritious remedy.

Apple Cider Vinegar is a nutritious remedy that targets hot spots, itchy skin, dry skin, chewing due to allergies and also acts as a deodorizer when sprayed on the coat following a bath!

Raw Green Tripe is an excellent, highly nutritious addition to any diet, and helps promote a healthy skin and coat!

Digestive Disorders

Apple Cider Vinegar is an excellent digestive aid and can be fed with meals to improve digestion!

Raw Green Tripe is packed full of digestive enzymes and probiotics to help any dog with digestive issues process their food and derive the utmost nutrition from their diet!

Raw, local honey is renowned for it's ability to alleviate environmental allergies in dogs.

Coconut Oil can help condition a dog's skin and coat to alleviate itchiness in dogs as a result of dry skin or allergies.

Apple Cider Vinegar can be used topically to alleviate itchiness, especially when sprayed directly on to the coat following a bath. Apple Cider Vinegar can also be used to dip itchy paws in to prevent chewing and licking.

Omega Fatty Acids are a powerful skin and coat conditioner which can help alleviate symptoms of allergies. Salmon oil, fish oil, flax seed oil and borage seed oil all fall under the "omega fatty acid" category!

Raw Food DietA raw food diet is the most nutritious, healing diet you can feed to your dog. A raw food diet will help heal many different medical condition, improve physical condition, alleviate or eliminate allergies and promote a long, healthy life.

This is part one of my 'natural remedies series', so keep watch for future blog posts with new remedies!

Raw honey is a remarkable alternative medicine used and appreciated by many cultures for hundreds of years, renowned for its healing attributes and for the therapeutic results of using raw honey. Just as it can be good for us, raw honey can also be highly beneficial for our dogs. The use of raw honey in dogs is quickly becoming popular amongst not only the holistic pet care movement but is also being recognized by the every day pet owners for its benefits and healing effects. Honey is known for being an excellent source of flavonoids and is believed to contain anti-cancer properties. Raw honey contains vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, and vitamins C, D and E. Honey also contains calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese! Honey is a good source of anti-oxidants and the live enzymes found in it make it antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic and antifungal. For those concerned about the sugar content of honey, rest assured knowing that it is an easily digested and gradually broken down form of natural sugar unlike processed sugar. As a result, the addition of honey to a dog's day can help increase healthy levels of energy and can even energize older dogs.

Dogs suffering from environmental allergies can greatly benefit from the consumption of raw, local honey on a daily basis. Raw, local honey contains minute amounts of pollens collected from your area that can help ease the symptoms of allergies in your dog. This works by exposing your dog to a very low level of the substance causing an allergic reaction which can help your pet develop an immunity over time. It is important that the honey is raw and local to ensure your dog is being exposed to the same pollens causing the allergic reaction specific to your dog. When the body is safely exposed to those pollens on a very small level, the body can grow accustomed to the allergens and thus have little to no reaction. Honey is also an excellent digestive aid since it contains live enzymes and amylase. Amylase is an enzyme which facilitates the proper digestion of carbohydrates. Honey is also very soothing for the digestive system and can also help tonify the body. Honey can benefit dogs with gastrointestinal problems due to its antibacterial properties. Raw honey can benefit dogs suffering from gastritis, IBD, colitis and other GI issues resulting from an overgrowth of bacteria.

Honey has been praised for its health benefits to both people and pets for many years and the world is starting to recognize it for its healing properties. Raw honey can prove to be an important part of a dog's diet while acting as an alternative medicine for allergies, digestive trouble and more! I highly recommend the addition of raw, local honey to the diet of any dog suffering from environmental allergies. One tablespoon a day is ideal for large dogs and one teaspoon a day is ideal for small dogs.

Toxicity in dogs due to human food is a very real, often lethal event. I am hearing more and more stories arising about dogs getting in to garbage, snatching leftovers off the table, gobbling up food dropped on the floor and being fed items that pet owners do not realize are toxic to dogs.

It is very important to be aware of the food that can cause serious issues in dogs so that we can be certain they never get the chance to eat any of it. Even small amounts have been found to result in death in pets, so avoiding them all together is how we can keep our pets safe.

Onion and Garlic:These two foods can cause vomiting, lethargy, weakness, pale gums, and damage to red blood cells (anemia), which leads to organ failure due to the lack of oxygen getting to organs.

Chocolate/Caffeine:The darker the chocolate, the worse the damage will be. Chocolate toxicity will cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, increased heart rate and eventually death.

Grapes/Raisins:Toxicity from eating grapes and raisins leads to kidney failure. Vomiting and diarrhea are the first symptoms, followed by weakness, refusal to eat, increased drinking, and abdominal pain.

Xylitol:Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in gum and many kinds to candy. Xylitol has been found to cause liver failure and seizures. The consumption of Xylitol causes hypoglycemia.

Raw Yeast/Bread Dough: The danger with raw yeast and bread dough is the fact that it expands in the stomach and can result in bloat, which can eventually lead to the very fatal stomach torsion.

Macadamia Nuts:Macadamia nut toxicity in dogs results in weakness in the hind end, wobbling, depression, tremors, hypothermia and increased heart rate. Macadamia nut toxicity can also result in kidney failure.

Alcohol:Typically symptoms of alcohol toxicity include vomiting, coma , lack of coordination, slow breathing rate, drowsiness, problems walking and moving, excessive urination and/or general unresponsiveness. Alcohol toxicity often leads to death. Some toothpaste and dental products for pets contain some alcohol, this should be avoided as they can cause damage to the nervous system, liver and kidneys over a period of time.

Avocado: There has been a lot of back and forth about whether or not avocados are indeed toxic for pets to consume, but the poison control center for pets has determined avocado to be on the "toxic foods for pets" list, and with their reputation it is fair to say they are a trustworthy source. The issue with avocado is a product called Persin (found in every aspect of the fruit), which can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

The ASPCA says they won't make a definitive statement about processed foods because they don't know how they are processing the avocados, but that raw avocados contain the toxin persin.

It's better safe then sorry, so avoid these foods and keep your pets eating only what is safe and nutritious for them. Be careful when handling these toxic foods to keep them from getting to your pet's reach.

For months now we have seen news stories and heard complaints about treats from China being dangerous for dogs. The reports of dogs falling ill and some pets dying as a result of eating these chicken jerky treats have encouraged dog owners to start doing their research. So what is the reality of this situation and why are people experiencing problems with dog treats being manufactured in China? The truth is that there is a real problem, and dog owners need to be made aware of it in order to protect their furry family members and keep them safe and healthy.

On January 9th 2013, Nestle Purina pulled two of their chicken jerky dog treats off the shelves of pet stores. The Waggin' Train and Canyon Creek Ranch brands are now being taken off the market. Milo's Kitchen is also recalling its Chicken Jerky and Chicken Grillers dog treats.

U.S federal regulators have been investigating claims of illness in pets as a result of eating these chicken jerky treats from China, and recently the New York State Department of Agriculture detected antibiotics in the treats that are not approved in the U.S. This means that there are chemicals in the treats that are not regulated or well known in North America - so there is no guarantee that these affected treats cannot harm your pets and make them sick.

The problem with feeding your dog treats that are made in China is that there is no guarantee that they are safe. Regulations for pet food and treats in China are very different from the strict standards followed in North America, which means that not as much care and concern for pet health is exercised in China when manufacturing pet supplies.

So how do you keep your pets safe? Make the decision to feed only treats made in North America from local companies with a strong reputation. There are many amazing companies from the U.S and Canada that make healthy, safe dog treats. By doing this, you ensure that the treats your pet consumes will be safe due to strict guidelines for quality in North America.

If this article and the recent recalls have encouraged you to shop local, consider dog treat companies such as Orijen, Crumps Naturals, Northern Biscuit, Zuke's, Purebites and Darford. A lot of these treats can be purchased on Amazon if these healthy local brand names are hard to find in your area.

What is Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil is a fantastic addition to any dog's diet. More and more people are discovering the amazing health benefits of virgin, unrefined coconut oil... and we are learning that this oil has lots of benefits for our dogs too! Coconut oil consists of approximately 90% saturated fats, yet most of those fats are Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs). The main component of the MCTs in coconut oil is lauric acid; which is antiviral, anti-fungal, antibacterial and helps to balance the immune system. MCTs are an excellent source of energy and are extremely easy to digest, as they do not require lipase or gall bladder bile to digest - making it easily processed in the body.

How can Coconut Oil help my dog?

Coconut oil is very beneficial to the skin and coat. The addition of this oil to the diet can result in the alleviation of skin conditions such as itchy skin, eczema and allergies. Coconut oil can reduce allergic reactions and improve the overall health of the skin and coat while making fur soft and shiny. Coconut oil can be used to deodorize as well, which makes it a phenomenal toothpaste substitute for dogs with stinky breath. Coconut oil can also be used to treat both fungal and yeast infections, including candida overgrowth.Due to the antibacterial properties of coconut oil you can apply it topically to disinfect wounds and skin abrasions and promote quick healing. I have used coconut oil topically on Hunter with nice results, I find that it speeds the recovery significantly while keeping the wound clean. Apply coconut oil to hot spots, insect bites and stings, scrapes and scratches for protection and healing.

This fantastic oil is also used to treat or improve digestive issues and it is also known for improving digestion and nutrient absorption. Coconut oil is also known to assist in normal regulation of the thyroid, which can also help overweight dogs shed the pounds. In summary, coconut oil is an extremely healthy oil that consists of mostly saturated fats - but don't let that put you off! Coconut oil is extremely rich in Medium Chain Triglycerides and contains lauric acid which is very easily digested and converted to energy. Coconut oil improves skin and coat conditions, allergic reactions, improves digestion and nutrient absorption, support a healthy immune system and disinfects wound and promotes fast healing. The dosage for coconut oil is one tablespoon for every 30lbs of body weight. Try this healthy oil for your pet, you won't be disappointed!

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Consult with your veterinarian before applying any of the information contained within this website, its blog, or via consultations. K9 Instinct recommends involving your veterinarian in any plans to utilize the information provided by K9 Instinct, and cannot be held accountable for any damages incurred by the use or misuse of any information provided by K9 Instinct. The guidance of your veterinarian is strongly recommended!